Key and Definitions
An understanding of these key words will help you navigate this site.
Root
A base word or a group of letters with a special meaning.
Examples: |
bio = life |
biology |
cent = hundred |
century |
Prefix
A syllable joined to the beginning of another word or root that changes its meaning.
Examples: |
anti = against |
antifreeze |
hemi = half |
hemisphere |
Suffix
A syllable added to the end of a word or root that changes its meaning or part of speech.
Examples: |
ee = one who is |
absentee |
less = without |
breathless |
Verb Endings
An ending, such as ed or ing, that is added to the base form of a verb to change the tense.
Examples: |
search (present tense) + ed = searched (past tense) |
search (present tense) + ing = searching (present progressive tense) |
Stress
English words of more than one syllable will have one syllable that is said with more emphasis and force than the others. This is the stressed syllable.
Examples: |
college = col lege |
science = sci ence |
|
fictitious = fic ti tious |
 J.Nogowski |
